EP1137565A1 - Valve for a braking system of a vehicle and trailer combination - Google Patents

Valve for a braking system of a vehicle and trailer combination

Info

Publication number
EP1137565A1
EP1137565A1 EP99959573A EP99959573A EP1137565A1 EP 1137565 A1 EP1137565 A1 EP 1137565A1 EP 99959573 A EP99959573 A EP 99959573A EP 99959573 A EP99959573 A EP 99959573A EP 1137565 A1 EP1137565 A1 EP 1137565A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
air
valve member
trailer
supply
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP99959573A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1137565B1 (en
Inventor
Andrew Howard Beck
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Wabco Automotive UK Ltd
Original Assignee
Wabco Automotive UK Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wabco Automotive UK Ltd filed Critical Wabco Automotive UK Ltd
Publication of EP1137565A1 publication Critical patent/EP1137565A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1137565B1 publication Critical patent/EP1137565B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
    • B60T17/00—Component parts, details, or accessories of power brake systems not covered by groups B60T8/00, B60T13/00 or B60T15/00, or presenting other characteristic features
    • B60T17/18—Safety devices; Monitoring
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
    • B60T13/00—Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or drive; Brake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems
    • B60T13/10—Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or drive; Brake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems with fluid assistance, drive, or release
    • B60T13/24—Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or drive; Brake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems with fluid assistance, drive, or release the fluid being gaseous
    • B60T13/26—Compressed-air systems
    • B60T13/261—Compressed-air systems systems with both indirect application and application by springs or weights and released by compressed air

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a valve for a braking system of a vehicle and trailer combination and is
  • the Red Line serves to operate an emergency valve associated with an emergency air supply
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a valve for the braking system which will help
  • valve comprising a service air inlet for connection to a
  • valve member for controlling flow of air between the supply inlet and outlet, the valve member in
  • valve member biased into its closed position preventing
  • valve member In its closed position, the valve member preferably closes an orifice which is arranged to
  • the area of the valve member to which the pressure is applied is preferably such that the force on the valve is insufficient to overcome the bias which
  • air supplied under normal working pressure through the service air inlet causes the
  • valve member can then move the valve member to an open position to allow air to
  • valve member may then be applied to a larger area of the valve member thereby causing it to remain open.
  • the aforesaid bias preferably causes the valve
  • a vehicle and trailer having a
  • Fig 1 is a diagrammatic view of a braking system on an articulated vehicle illustrating the
  • Fig 2 is a view of the valve of Fig 1 in another operational condition.
  • An articulated vehicle comprises a tractor 10 and a trailer 12 which interconnect in the usual
  • the tractor 10 has the usual brake pedal 14
  • a tank 20 is provided in known manner for providing a supply of braking
  • the valve 22 is of
  • a valve 26 in accordance with the invention is provided in the braking system.
  • a housing 28 having a service air inlet 30 connected to the Yellow Line 16 and a
  • a member in the form of a piston 34 is slidably and sealingly mounted in a cylinder 36 of the housing 28.
  • the piston 34 is normally biased upwardly as viewed in the drawing by a spring
  • a vent 39 is formed in the housing 28 to vent a space beneath the piston 34.
  • the housing 28 defines a first chamber 40 between the piston 34 and a wall 42.
  • the wall 42 is
  • a pushrod 46 is slidably and sealingly mounted.
  • the housing 28 has a supply inlet 48 connected to the Red Line 18 and a supply 50 connected
  • the inlet 48 terminates at an orifice 51 surrounded by a seat 52 for contact
  • a valve member in the form of a piston 54.
  • the piston 54 is slidably and sealingly
  • the piston 54 has an elastomeric insert 58
  • second chamber 60 is defined above the piston 54 downstream of the seat 52.
  • the chamber 60 is defined above the piston 54 downstream of the seat 52.
  • a vent 62 is formed in the
  • Air from the outlet 50 applies pressure to the valve 22 so as to prevent air in the
  • valve 22 is thereby released causing air in the tank 20 to apply the service brakes 24.
  • the non-return valve 61 ensures that there is no residual pressure in the chamber 60 which could reduce the braking force
  • valve 22 to close and terminate operation of the service brakes 24 by means of the air in tank 24, that condition can be achieved only when the service brakes have been applied by the
  • the present invention is equally suited to semitrailers (as described above) and full trailers where the trailer is connected to a tractor by a drawbar.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Braking Systems And Boosters (AREA)
  • Valves And Accessory Devices For Braking Systems (AREA)
  • Regulating Braking Force (AREA)
  • Hydraulic Control Valves For Brake Systems (AREA)

Abstract

A valve (26) for the braking system of a tractor/trailer combination ensures that the trailer brakes (22) are not inadvertently released as the service and supply lines are connected. A valve member (54) is normally closed by a bias applied through an actuating member (34) to prevent release of the trailer brakes. A single actuation of the vehicle brake pedal (24) biases the actuating member (34) oppositely, allowing the valve member (54) to open; thereafter the valve member (54) is maintained in the open condition until the trailer is disconnected from the tractor.

Description

VALVE FOR A BRAKING SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE AND TRAILER COMBINATION
The invention relates to a valve for a braking system of a vehicle and trailer combination and is
particularly concerned with a valve for use with supply and service brake lines of such a
vehicle. Such a supply brake line is known as the "Red Line", the normal service braking being
effected via a service brake line known as the "Yellow Line" of the braking system.
The Red Line serves to operate an emergency valve associated with an emergency air supply
tank on the trailer. In normal circumstances, pressure in the Red Line serves to hold the valve
closed to prevent air from operating the service brakes of the trailer. Should pressure in the
Red Line fail, the drop in pressure allows the emergency valve to open whereby air in the tank
applies the trailer brakes.
When the trailer is disconnected from the tractor, the disconnection of the Red Line releases
the valve and air in the tank automatically applies the trailer brakes. However, a problem can
arise when the Red Line is reconnected. If the Red Line is reconnected to the trailer, the
restoration of pressure to the valve shuts off the tank from the service brakes of the trailer
whereby the brakes are released. If the hand brake of the tractor has not first been applied, the
release of trailer brakes can result in the vehicle running away, the consequences of which can
be very dangerous. An object of the present invention is to provide a valve for the braking system which will help
to avoid the above problem.
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a valve for a braking system of a
vehicle and trailer combination, the valve comprising a service air inlet for connection to a
service air supply line, a service air outlet for supplying air to control operation of a service
brake, an actuating member responsive to service air pressure, a supply iniet for connection to
an air supply line, a supply outlet for supplying air for operation of the brakes and a valve
member for controlling flow of air between the supply inlet and outlet, the valve member in
one condition of the valve being held closed by a bias applied by or via the actuating member.
Such an arrangement enables the Red Line, which is normally connected to the said supply
inlet to be reconnected to the trailer braking system without emergency air pressure being
applied to release the brakes, the valve member biased into its closed position preventing
communication between the supply inlet and outlet during the reconnection. Once the driver of
the vehicle operates the brakes from the tractor cab, the bias will be overcome and the brakes
will then operate normally.
In its closed position, the valve member preferably closes an orifice which is arranged to
receive air from the supply inlet. Where air under normal working pressure from the supply
inlet is applied to the valve member, the area of the valve member to which the pressure is applied is preferably such that the force on the valve is insufficient to overcome the bias which
holds the valve closed.
Preferably, air supplied under normal working pressure through the service air inlet causes the
actuator to move against the said bias. In such a case, the air pressure applied to the aforesaid
area of the valve member can then move the valve member to an open position to allow air to
flow from the supply inlet to the supply outlet. Air pressure causing the valve member to open
may then be applied to a larger area of the valve member thereby causing it to remain open.
Once supply and service air pressures cease, the aforesaid bias preferably causes the valve
member to move back into its closed position.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle and trailer braking
system which includes a valve in accordance with the first said aspect of the invention or in
accordance with any of the consistory clauses relating thereto.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle and trailer having a
braking system according to the first said aspect of the invention or in accordance with any of
the consistorv clauses relating thereto. A valve in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig 1 is a diagrammatic view of a braking system on an articulated vehicle illustrating the
valve in cross section and in one operational condition and
Fig 2 is a view of the valve of Fig 1 in another operational condition.
An articulated vehicle comprises a tractor 10 and a trailer 12 which interconnect in the usual
way through a fifth wheel coupling (not shown). The tractor 10 has the usual brake pedal 14
for service braking of the trailer 12 via a Yellow Line 16 and has the usual Red Line 18 for air
supply to the trailer. A tank 20 is provided in known manner for providing a supply of braking
air at least in response to the opening of an emergency braking valve 22. The valve 22 is of
known kind and is normally held closed by pressure from the Red Line 18. Where the Red
Line pressure ceases, the valve 22 opens and air from the tank 20 is then applied to operate the
service brakes of the trailer indicated generally at 24.
A valve 26 in accordance with the invention is provided in the braking system. The valve 26
comprises a housing 28 having a service air inlet 30 connected to the Yellow Line 16 and a
service air outlet 32 connected to a line for operating the service brakes 24. An actuating
member in the form of a piston 34 is slidably and sealingly mounted in a cylinder 36 of the housing 28. The piston 34 is normally biased upwardly as viewed in the drawing by a spring
38. A vent 39 is formed in the housing 28 to vent a space beneath the piston 34.
The housing 28 defines a first chamber 40 between the piston 34 and a wall 42. The wall 42 is
formed with a central guide 44 in which a pushrod 46 is slidably and sealingly mounted. The
lower end of the pushrod 46 as viewed in the drawing contacts the piston 34.
The housing 28 has a supply inlet 48 connected to the Red Line 18 and a supply 50 connected
to the valve 22. The inlet 48 terminates at an orifice 51 surrounded by a seat 52 for contact
with a valve member in the form of a piston 54. The piston 54 is slidably and sealingly
mounted in a further cylinder 56 of the housing 28. The piston 54 has an elastomeric insert 58
for sealing contact with the seat 52. The upper end of the pushrod 46 contacts the piston 54. A
second chamber 60 is defined above the piston 54 downstream of the seat 52. The chamber 60
can communicate with the inlet 48 via a non-return valve 61. A vent 62 is formed in the
housing 28 to vent a space between the wall 42 and the underside of the piston 54.
In a rest state with no pressures applied to the inlets 30, 48. the components of the valve 26
take up the positions shown in Fig 1. It will be noted that the spring 38 applies an upward bias
to the piston 34 which is transmitted to the piston 54 via the pushrod 46 so as to hold the
piston 54 against the seat 52. Once the vehicle is in use. air pressure applied to the inlet 48
from the Red Line 18 will act on a surface area A of the piston 54 inside the seat 52. The area A is such that the downward force acting on the piston 54 will not be sufficient to overcome
the bias of the spring 38. However when the brake pedal 14 is applied, service air under
pressure in the Yellow Line 16 will enter chamber 40 and push the piston 34 downwards as
shown in Fig 2. Air in the space beneath the piston 34 escapes through the vent 39. The
90 downward movement of the piston 34 compresses the spring 38 and allows the pressure on
surface A to push the piston 54 out of contact with the seat 52 so as to open the orifice 51.
Once the piston 54 clears the seat 52, Red Line air pressure will be applied to the chamber 60
and will act on the entire surface area of the piston (area A plus the annular area indicated at B
in Fig 1). The pressure on areas A plus B urges the piston 54 downwards into contact with the
95 guide 44 which acts as a stop. The Red Line air holds the piston 54 in that position whatever
the pressure in chamber 40 as the downward force on the piston 54 is designed to be greater
than the upward bias of the spring 38. Air in the space beneath the piston 54 escapes through
the vent 62. Air from the outlet 50 applies pressure to the valve 22 so as to prevent air in the
tank 20 applying the service brakes 24.
100 Where the tractor 10 is disconnected from the trailer 12. the disconnection of the Red line 18
from the valve 26 causes the pressure in chamber 60 to be vented via the inlet 48. Pressure in
the valve 22 is thereby released causing air in the tank 20 to apply the service brakes 24.
Disconnection of the Yellow Line 16 will allow the piston 34 to rise under the influence of the
spring 38. Such rising movement of the piston 34 is transmitted to the piston 54 by the pushrod
105 46 causing the piston 54 to rise into contact with the seat 52. The non-return valve 61 ensures that there is no residual pressure in the chamber 60 which could reduce the braking force
created by the application of air from the tank 20.
When the tractor 10 is reconnected to the trailer 12 and assuming that the Red Line is
pressurised, reconnection of the Red Line 18 to the valve 26 will subject the area A to air
110 pressure in the Red Line. However, as mentioned above, the area of surface A is such that the
downward force acting on the piston 54 will not be sufficient to overcome the bias of the
spring 38 and the piston 54 will continue to close the orifice 51. Therefore, pressure in the Red
Line will not be applied to the valve 22 and the air pressure from tank 20 will continue to
apply the service brakes 24. After reconnection of the Yellow Line 16, operation of the foot
115 pedal 14 or other brake applying device by the driver to operate the service brakes 24 will
depress the piston 34 and allow the piston 54 open the orifice 51. Although that will cause the
valve 22 to close and terminate operation of the service brakes 24 by means of the air in tank 24, that condition can be achieved only when the service brakes have been applied by the
driver thereby minimising significantly the risk of the vehicle running away as before when the
120 Red Line is reconnected.
The present invention is equally suited to semitrailers (as described above) and full trailers where the trailer is connected to a tractor by a drawbar.

Claims

Claims
1. A valve (26) for a wheel braking system of a tractor and trailer combination, the valve (26) comprising a service air inlet (30) for connection to a service air supply line (16), a service air outlet (32) for supplying air to control operation of a trailer wheel brake (24), an actuating member (34) responsive to service air pressure, a supply inlet (48) for connection to an air supply line (18) of the tractor, a supply outlet (50) for supplying air for actuation of a trailer wheel brake (24) and a valve member (54) for controlling flow of air between said supply inlet (48) and said supply outlet (50), the valve member (54) in one condition of the valve (26) being held closed by a bias applied by or via the actuating member (34).
2. A valve according to claim 1 wherein air under pressure from said supply inlet (48) acts on said valve member (54) in opposition to said bias.
3. A valve according to claim 2 wherein, in the closed condition, the force developed on said valve member (54) is insufficient to overcome the closing bias thereof.
4. A valve according to claim 3 wherein, in the open condition, the force developed on said valve member (54) is sufficient to overcome the closing bias thereof.
5. A valve according to claim 4 wherein adjacent concentric areas of said valve member (54) are acted upon by air under pressure at the supply inlet (48).
6. A valve according to claim 5 wherein in the closed condition an inner area of said valve member (54) is acted upon, and in the open condition an outer and inner areas of said valve member (54) is acted upon.
7. A valve according to any preceding claim wherein said actuating member (34) acts in opposition to said bias.
8. A valve according to any preceding claim wherein said supply outlet (50) is connected to said supply inlet (48) via a non-return valve (61).
9. A valve according to any preceding claim wherein said valve member (54) and actuating member (34) abut.
10. A valve according to claim 9 wherein said valve member (54) and actuating member (34) are circular and coaxial.
EP99959573A 1998-12-11 1999-12-10 Valve for a braking system of a vehicle and trailer combination Expired - Lifetime EP1137565B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9827483.0A GB9827483D0 (en) 1998-12-11 1998-12-11 Valve for a braking system of a vehicle and trailer combination
GB9827483 1998-12-11
PCT/GB1999/004177 WO2000035729A1 (en) 1998-12-11 1999-12-10 Valve for a braking system of a vehicle and trailer combination

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1137565A1 true EP1137565A1 (en) 2001-10-04
EP1137565B1 EP1137565B1 (en) 2003-08-06

Family

ID=10844181

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99959573A Expired - Lifetime EP1137565B1 (en) 1998-12-11 1999-12-10 Valve for a braking system of a vehicle and trailer combination

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1137565B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE246616T1 (en)
DE (1) DE69910251T2 (en)
GB (1) GB9827483D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2000035729A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102010013731B4 (en) * 2010-03-31 2014-09-04 Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH Arrangement for the compressed air coupling of a trailer to a towing vehicle

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2270131A2 (en) * 1973-11-30 1975-12-05 Gachot Jean Vehicle air brake safety valve - is arranged so that trailer braking takes place when normal pressure drops or if trailer breaks away
IT1223957B (en) * 1988-11-30 1990-09-29 Magneti Marelli Spa VALVE GROUP FOR BRAKING CONTROL OF A TRAILER VEHICLE AND BRAKING SYSTEM INCLUDING SUCH VALVE GROUP

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO0035729A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2000035729A1 (en) 2000-06-22
GB9827483D0 (en) 1999-02-10
DE69910251D1 (en) 2003-09-11
EP1137565B1 (en) 2003-08-06
DE69910251T2 (en) 2004-05-27
ATE246616T1 (en) 2003-08-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3574413A (en) Brake system for vehicles
EP1733944B1 (en) Electronic park brake valve system for vehicles with air brakes
US3294455A (en) Vehicle fluid pressure brake system and control valve
CA2405336C (en) Combination inversion and relay or quick release valve assembly
US4230373A (en) Brake system
US7204563B2 (en) Park brake interlock and trailer brake valve assembly
US5466053A (en) Full-function valve for tandem trailer brake system
CA1080771A (en) Tractor-trailer brake system with improved means for assuring application of trailer brakes concomitantly with tractor brakes
US5286095A (en) Air brake emergency control valves
JP3430163B2 (en) Vent valve insert
GB1572439A (en) Trailer braking systems
CA1045185A (en) Tractor-mounted cargo-trailer brake control system
US4455052A (en) Tractor air brake system and control valve means therefor
CA2360162C (en) Relay valve with integral biased double check valve
US4383717A (en) Tractor air brake system and control valve means therefor
US5340212A (en) Proportioning relay valve disabled by failed front braking circuit
US5361877A (en) Diaphragm-type pneumatic brake actuator with closing valve
EP1137565B1 (en) Valve for a braking system of a vehicle and trailer combination
GB2175362A (en) Anti-skid vehicle braking system
JP2679792B2 (en) Proportional control valve
US4596426A (en) Duplex mechanical lock control unit for a parking brake system
EP0956226B1 (en) Supply dump valve for pneumatically-operated vehicle braking systems
EP0956227B1 (en) Pneumatically-operated braking system for tractor-trailer combinations
US3428070A (en) Fluid pressure control valve
KR960012399B1 (en) Proportioning brake valve with dual area secondary piston

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20010706

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20020924

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20030806

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20030806

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRE;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.SCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20030806

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20030806

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20030806

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20030806

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20030806

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69910251

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20030911

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20031106

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20031106

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20031106

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20031117

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20031210

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20031210

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20031210

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20031231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040106

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20040507

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20061130

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20061212

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20070123

Year of fee payment: 8

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20071210

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080701

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20081020

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071210

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071231